girl, uncanny

So, I told him, “they’re not unconnected- we were talking about going to the carnival, and the carnival is on the same fairgrounds they used to use for the rodeo, and one time at the rodeo my brother spilled sprite on himself and a bee went up his shirt and stung him, and bees die when they sting, but wasps don’t, and I was wondering why, so I asked you.”

As an autistic person who has regular sensory meltdowns, I've noticed that loved ones and people who are around you at the time are often unsure what to do. Since meltdowns are a common part of the autistic experience and, sadly, they don't always wait until you're alone, I thought I would make a post with a few tips on dos and don'ts if you are around an autistic person who's having a meltdown.

1. The first DO is to ask the autistic person themselves what they would like you to do. The best way to handle a meltdown varies a bit from person to person, so it's best to ask the individual what they would like you to do. Of course, this only works if you are a friend/family member of the autistic person. Make sure to ask when they are not currently having a meltdown, as at that point they won't be able to tell you.

2. DON'T try to talk to the person having the meltdown. Especially don't ask them questions. They probably won't be able to answer you, and it will likely make their overstimulation worse.

3. If in doubt, DON'T touch them. This varies a bit from perdon to person. Some people apreciate firm touch from a trusted person when they are having a meltdown. For others, though, touch can really make their overstimulation worse. So unless you've previously established that the person would want it, stay on the safe side and don't touch them.

4. If you are with a friend/family member and you see that they're heading towards a meltdown, DO get them away from the overstimulation if possible. When someone is on the brink of a meltdown, they often can't think clearly enough to get themselves out of the situation. Guide them to a quieter, less crowded etc area and give them some time to calm down. Sitting quietly and giving them plently of personal space if probably yhe best thing. Just to note (and hopefully this goes without saying), but if you are a stranger you shouldn't do this.